Here is the story. I am a lawyer at a mid sized firm. The widow of a former client was ripped off by her churches youth pastor, so she came to us for help.
I got a judgment on the pastor for the money, but the church fired him and he took off out of state before I could collect (We have a three week wait to start collecting a judgment in this state). I don't know where he is, but there is a rumor that he went out to cali to pastor a church out there.
Most of our clients are rich or are businesses. I can't do for her what I would do for them, which is hire a PI, because she can't afford it and only a few grand is at stake.
I did a credit check on him and then had my sec call United Methodist churches around where he used to live in cali, with no luck.
I also have sent a blank letter to his old address with a request to the post office to not forward but rather to return it with the new address. I also sent some free (no cost) subpoenas to the various bishops and oversight groups of his church national body.
What the heck else can I do cheaply to find this guy so I can beg a local attorney in that state to sue on my judgment for cheap/free to get some justice for the widow?

There is a form you can file with the post office for his new forwarding address, if you need a copy of it, e-mail me a fax number and I'll send you one. You can also file to find out a PO Box holder's address if I remember correctly.
Check with CA dmv, check not only under his name but track the history of vin number of his car (not sure about how to do this in your state, but I have done it in NY, I usually pay $ 50 or so for this info).
Find a relative and con them into telling you where he is.
Call his former landlord.
If you can do it cheaply subpoena his bank records then once you get a credit card or other address subpoena them for the new address (is this worthwhile if you have run a credit report? I'm not sure)

"Simply put, there is absolutely no legitimate purpose to possess any of these weapons, no legitimate purpose at all" Thomas J. Spota, Suffolk County District Attorney, pointing to an AR15.

Originally Posted By BenDover:
He's got to register his vehicle and DL within so many months of relocating. I don't know what the rule is with the Cali DMV, but I am sure you could get a judge to swear out an order.

View Quote

I've been driving in Texas with a different DL
for three years. Thats not gonna really help.
All the guys has to say when he is pulled over
is that he is just visiting!

Originally Posted By Zhukov:At least the weather will be nice. I'd hate for it to rain. I might get wet like when I pee myself.كافر

If his name is not generic, like Smith, then look him up in various Central Appraisal Districts. There are many web sites that offer this public information for free-- depends on the county though.
(This only works if he owns property)
Oh-- if he owns property or a vehicle, file a lien against it. (if that's possible)

This might be a little too easy, but try [url]www.worldpages.com[/url]. If he's in the phone book, it'll have him. Hit the "find a person" option and you can search by name and state.
Worth a shot, and it's free.

Hmm, Kind of scares me that a lawyer can just run a credit check on this guy WITHOUT him saying he could or even knowing about it....What the hell is this world coming to. To me, if anyone can run your credit report, it should not hold much water when buying anything. Just a thought...Trucker

Originally Posted By Trucker:
Hmm, Kind of scares me that a lawyer can just run a credit check on this guy WITHOUT him saying he could or even knowing about it....What the hell is this world coming to. To me, if anyone can run your credit report, it should not hold much water when buying anything. Just a thought...Trucker

View Quote

Happyshooter represents his client, who is a creditor of the deadbeat. He has the right to run a credit check in order to skip trace said deadbeat.
Happyshooter- I'll send you an IM from what I remember of my days of skip tracing. Don't know how they hold up now from a legal standpoint, but I'm sure you'll check that out.

Happyshooter,
If he did move, then had to use a U-Haul or some other moving service. I would try and track his move that way first. If you have a LEO friend who might assist you in asking the movers. It might be an avenue worth trying. I have done the same thing in the past...asked the local movers a name and they helped me.
Or, do your own PI work and ask friends where his relatives live...then ask them.[:D]
[b][blue]NAKED[/blue][/b]

I have no fear of losing my life. If I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it.---Steve Irwin

Originally Posted By NAKED-GUNMAN:
Happyshooter,
If he did move, then had to use a U-Haul or some other moving service. I would try and track his move that way first. If you have a LEO friend who might assist you in asking the movers. It might be an avenue worth trying. I have done the same thing in the past...asked the local movers a name and they helped me.
[b][blue]NAKED[/blue][/b]

View Quote

That's pretty good...

"Simply put, there is absolutely no legitimate purpose to possess any of these weapons, no legitimate purpose at all" Thomas J. Spota, Suffolk County District Attorney, pointing to an AR15.

Find his Mother or father and have the Victim talk to one or both of them. I know if my mother or dad found out I ripped someone off they would be the first to help me make things right, wether I liked it or not. If I wouldnt make it right I am sure they would drop the dime on me. tough love is the best kind

Infidels in all ages have battled for the rights of man, andhave at all times been the fearless advocates of liberty andjustice.

Contact Pizza places, retail stores (i.e. Radio Shack), etc. See if they will search their databases (they probably won't).
OR call EACH ONE up, giving them his name, to see if they respond with a number/address to confirm "delivery".... Works well when you have a small area to search, once you narrow the search area down.